Methods of making compounds and mixtures having antidegradant and antifatigue efficacy

ABSTRACT

Methods of making antidegradant compounds are disclosed in which a p-phenylenediamine is reacted with a dicarbonyl to thereby obtain a diimine, which is reduced to obtain mixtures comprising the antidegradant compound.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This continuation-in-part application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 15/371,257 filed Dec. 7, 2016, which in turn claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/270,909, titled “COMPOUNDS WITH ANTIDEGRADANT AND ANTIFATIGUE EFFICACY AND COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING SAID COMPOUNDS,” filed Dec. 22, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to methods of making compounds and mixtures having antidegradant and antifatigue efficacy that are useful as an additive for vulcanized rubber articles, vulcanizable elastomeric formulations, lubricants, fuels, fuel additives and other compositions which require such efficacy, or in compositions which are themselves useful as compositions to impart such efficacy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many materials such as plastics, elastomers, lubricants, cosmetics and petroleum products (such as hydraulic fluids, oils, fuels and oil/fuel additives for automotive and aviation applications) are prone to degradation upon prolonged exposure to light, heat, oxygen, ozone, repetitive mechanical actions and the like. Accordingly, compounds and compositions demonstrating antidegradant efficacy are well known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 8,987,515 discloses an aromatic polyamine useful in inhibiting oxidative degradation particularly in lubricant compositions. U.S. Patent Application Publication number 2014/0316163 discloses antioxidant macromolecules with purported improved solubility in many commercially available oils and lubricants.

Antidegradants useful in the manufacture of articles formed from elastomers, plastics and the like require a very specific combination of qualities that can be difficult to achieve. While the antidegradants must obviously have commercially acceptable efficacy, they must also exhibit that efficacy over prolonged periods of time associated with use of the article, particularly at exposed surfaces of the article where degradation from environmental factors such as light, oxygen and ozone primarily occurs. Just as important to the protection of surface exposed components, efficacy in protecting imbedded components of composite materials from the effects of oxidative aging and repetitive mechanical action are critically important. The antidegradants must achieve these results while not negatively impacting other additives' efficacy or desirable characteristics in the final article. Further, antidegradants which provide or improve the mechanical fatigue life after an article has been in service, aged oxidatively or by exposure to ozone are highly valued since these will inherently improve the useful mechanical service life of article. Consequently, elastomeric articles which undergo repeated mechanical flexure, extension, or compression during service would greatly benefit from such a discovery.

Articles formed from general purpose elastomers such as natural rubber, in particular tires, are especially prone to degradation from both oxygen and ozone. As discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,905,654, the effect on rubber from degradation by oxygen is different from the effect from degradation from ozone; however, both effects can be detrimental to tire performance, appearance and life expectancy. Fatigue and crack propagation are also issues of specific concern, in particular for steel belt edge areas and tire sidewalls which are subject to significant stresses and stretching forces while flexed whether inflated, partially inflated and throughout the service life of the tire. U.S. Pat. No. 8,833,417 describes an antioxidant system that purportedly increases long-term resistance to fatigue and crack propagation over the known antioxidants discussed immediately below.

Materials with antidegradant efficacy are well known in the art for use in tire applications and are commercially available. For example, N,N′-disubstituted-paraphenylenediamines such as those sold by Eastman Chemical Company under the trademark Santoflex® are generally favored by many tire manufacturers for this purpose. EP Pat. Appln. Publn. No. EP 3 147 321 A1 discloses rubber compositions, tires, amine compounds, and anti-aging agents, and in particular, a rubber composition that is said to be suitable for use in tread rubber or sidewall rubber of a tire. As governmental regulation, market needs and customer expectations push the rubber industry toward lighter weight tires to enhance fuel efficiency and conserve natural resource feedstocks, a continuing need nonetheless exists for improved antidegradants, and methods of making them, that exhibit (i) multiple efficacies against fatigue, crack propagation and the various mechanisms of degradation; (ii) increased efficacy, especially at lower concentrations and (iii) longer efficacy periods when compared to current commercial materials.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to compounds, and methods of making them, represented by the formula I:

wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of (i) substituted or unsubstituted alkyl with C=0 to 12 inclusive; (ii) substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and (iii) substituted and unsubstituted alkylaryl; or wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl with C=0 to 3 inclusive; and especially wherein R is a covalent bond;

wherein X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ are each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or wherein X1, X2, X3 and X4 are each independently hydrogen or methyl;

wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from the group consisting of butyl, propyl, ethyl, methyl or hydrogen; and wherein one of R¹ and R², and one of R³ and R⁴ may optionally be bridged by a polymethylene group;

wherein when C=0 in R, the combined group R¹ R² is the same as the combined group R³ R⁴; and

wherein when C=1 in R, each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are hydrogen.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to compositions and mixtures, and methods of making them, that include compounds corresponding to formula I set out above. In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to antidegradant compositions including the compounds of the present invention.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a lubricant composition including the compound of the present invention.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vulcanizable elastomeric formulation including the compound of the present invention.

In still another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vulcanized elastomeric rubber article with at least one component formed from a vulcanizable elastomeric formulation of the present invention.

In an additional aspect, the present invention relates to methods of making antidegradant compounds, and mixtures containing them, that correspond to formula I as set out above and as further described herein. In this aspect, a p-phenylenediamine corresponding to formula IV:

wherein each X is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or wherein each X is independently hydrogen or methyl;

is reacted with a dicarbonyl corresponding to formula II:

wherein R¹ and R³ are each selected from: (a) the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or (b) the group consisting of butyl, propyl, ethyl, methyl or hydrogen; and wherein R1 and R3 may optionally be bridged by a polymethylene group to form a cycloalkyl;

to thereby obtain a diimine corresponding to formula III:

The diimine corresponding to formula III may then be reduced or hydrogenated to obtain a mixture that includes the antidegradant compound according to formula I:

wherein each X is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or wherein each X is independently hydrogen or methyl; and

wherein R¹ and R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or wherein R¹ and R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of butyl, propyl, ethyl, methyl or hydrogen; and wherein R¹ and R³ may optionally be bridged by a polymethylene group.

The compounds of the present invention have surprisingly demonstrated antidegradant and antifatigue agent efficacies and accordingly are particularly useful in imparting resistance to crack propagation, degradation and the many manifestations thereof in a variety of applications. When utilized as a component in vulcanizable elastomeric formulations for forming vulcanized rubber articles, and specifically in vehicle tires and their components, the compound of the present invention has demonstrated a particularly desirable and surprising combined efficacy against oxidative degradation, ozonative degradation and resistance against fatigue and crack propagation that is superior to the combination heretofore achieved by prior art materials. Further advantages and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As utilized herein, the following terms or phrases are defined as follows:

“Antidegradant” refers to a material that inhibits degradation (as caused by for example, through heat, light, oxidation, and/or ozonation), or manifestations thereof, of a composition, formulation or article to which it is added or applied.

“Antifatigue agent” refers to a material that improves the flex fatigue resistance of a composition, formulation or article to which it is added or applied after a period of in-service application time whereby the composition, formulation or article is subjected to thermal, oxidative, ozone and mechanical degradative forces.

“Antioxidant” refers to a material that inhibits oxidative degradation of a composition, formulation or article to which it is added or applied.

“Antiozonant” refers to a material that inhibits ozone exposure degradation of a composition, formulation or article to which it is added or applied.

“Elastomer” means any polymer which after vulcanization (or crosslinking) and at room temperature can be stretched under low stress to at least twice its original length and, upon immediate release of the stress, will return with force to approximately its original length, including without limitation rubber.

“Vulcanizable Elastomeric Formulation” means a composition that includes an elastomer and that is capable of vulcanization when placed under vulcanization conditions.

In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to compounds represented by formula I:

wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of (i) substituted or unsubstituted alkyl with C=0 to 12 inclusive; (ii) substituted or unsubstituted aryl; and (iii) substituted and unsubstituted alkylaryl; or wherein each R is independently selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl with C=0 to 3 inclusive; and especially wherein R is a covalent bond

wherein X¹, X², X³ and X⁴ are each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or wherein X1, X2, X3 and X4 are each independently hydrogen or methyl;

wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or wherein R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are each independently selected from the group consisting of butyl, propyl, ethyl, methyl or hydrogen; and wherein one of R¹ and R², and one of R³ and R⁴, may optionally be bridged by a polymethylene group;

wherein when C=0 in R, the combined group R¹ R² is the same as the combined group R³ R⁴; and

wherein when C=1 in R, each of R¹, R², R³, and R⁴ are hydrogen.

In certain embodiments according to formula I, R may be selected from the group consisting of a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl with C=0 to 3 inclusive. R may thus be such that C=0, C=1, C=2, or C=3. In embodiments, C may be equal to from 0 to 3 carbons, or from 1 to 2 carbons, or from 1 to 3 carbons, inclusive.

Thus, when R is simply a covalent bond such that the number of carbons is zero, then the carbons depicted on either side of the R group are joined directly to one another to form an ethylene group. Alternatively, R may be a single carbon wherein C=1, that is, R may be a methylene group such that a propylene group is bonded to each of the adjacent nitrogen atoms. R may also represent an alkyl with two carbons, wherein C=2, that is, an ethylene group such that a butylene group is bonded to each of the adjacent nitrogen atoms. In yet another embodiment, R may be such that C may be equal to 3, that is a propylene group such that a pentylene group is bonded to each of the adjacent nitrogen atoms, or may be branched such that adjacent carbons are bonded to the carbons depicted adjacent the R group, while a third carbon is bonded only to one of the two carbons bonded to those adjacent the R group, that is an isopropylene group.

With respect to the R group, we note that when C=0 in R, the combined group R1 R2 is the same as the combined group R3 R4. Further, we note that when C=1 in R, then each of R1, R2, R3, and R4 are hydrogen.

We note further that, according to certain aspects of formula I, X1, X2, X3 and X4 may each independently be hydrogen or methyl. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when X1, X2, X3 and X4 are each hydrogen, the nitrogen molecules to which they are bonded are thereby secondary amines, known to be desirable in certain known or proposed antioxidant mechanisms of action. Alternatively, the compounds of the present invention may be methylated, as demonstrated in Example 14 to form methylated derivatives,

According to certain embodiments of formula I, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are each independently selected from the group consisting of butyl, propyl, ethyl, methyl or hydrogen. Thus, in various embodiments, R1, R2, R3, and R4 may all be hydrogen, or may all be methyl, or may all be ethyl, propyl, or butyl, or may be a mixture of any of these. For example, one of R1 and R2 may be methyl and the other hydrogen, and one of R3 and R4 may be methyl and the other hydrogen.

In an alternative embodiment according to formula I, one of R1 and R2, and one of R3 and R4, may optionally be bridged by a polymethylene group to form a cycloalkyl group. Thus in various embodiments, the compounds of the present invention may include a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl such as cyclobutane, cyclopropane, or cyclohexane, or cycloheptane, or cyclooctane, in which two of R1, R2, R3, and R4 may comprise methylene groups linked to the cycloalkyls or may each form a carbon of the cyclic alkyl itself. Non-limiting cycloalkyls that may be present in the compounds of formula II include cyclohexane and cyclohexane dimethanol. Diols useful to form such compounds containing cyclic alkyls also thus include, without limitation, cyclohexanediol, cyclohexanedimethanol. Similarly, dicarbonyls useful to obtain such compounds include cyclohexanedione and cyclohexane dialdehyde.

Non-limiting examples of the compounds of the present invention include N1,N1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine), N1,N1′-(butane-2,3-diyl)bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine), N1,N1′-(octane-1,8-diyl)bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine), N1,N1′-(1,4-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine), N1,N1′-(1,3-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine), N1,N1′-(1,4-phenylenebis(ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine), and N1,N1′-(1,3-phenylenebis(ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

These are represented schematically as follows, each with a reference to the corresponding written example(s) below that describes a method for manufacture:

Preferred examples of the compounds of the present invention according to formula I include N1,N1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) and N1,N1′-(butane-2,3-diyl)bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine), as depicted above.

In an additional aspect, the present invention relates to methods of making antidegradant compounds, and mixtures containing them, that correspond to formula I as set out above and as further described herein. In this aspect, a p-phenylenediamine corresponding to formula IV:

wherein each X is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or wherein each X is independently hydrogen or methyl;

is reacted with a dicarbonyl corresponding to formula II:

wherein R¹ and R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or wherein Wand R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of butyl, propyl, ethyl, methyl or hydrogen; and wherein R¹ and R³ may optionally be bridged by a polymethylene group;

to thereby obtain a diimine corresponding to formula III:

The diimine corresponding to formula III may then be reduced or hydrogenated to obtain a mixture that includes the antidegradant compound according to formula I below:

wherein each X is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or wherein each X is independently hydrogen or methyl;

wherein R¹ and R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; or wherein R¹ and R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of butyl, propyl, ethyl, methyl or hydrogen; and wherein R¹ and R³ may optionally be bridged by a polymethylene group.

According to the invention, the step of reacting the p-phenylenediamine with the dicarbonyl and the step of reducing the diimine obtained may be carried out in sequence, with optional isolation of the intermediate diimine compound, or may be carried out simultaneously in the same reaction mixture, as further described herein.

Suitable p-phenylenediamines useful according to the invention that correspond to formula IV include those in which each X is independently selected from alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; and especially those in which each X is hydrogen or methyl, and especially 4-aminoparaphenylene diamine.

Suitable dicarbonyls include those in which Wand R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of butyl, propyl, ethyl, methyl or hydrogen; and especially methyl or hydrogen, and those in which R1 and R3 are bridged by a polymethylene group.

The diimines corresponding to formula III thereby obtained include especially those in which each X is independently hydrogen or methyl; and in which R¹ and R³ are each independently selected from ethyl, methyl or hydrogen; and those in which R¹ and R³ are bridged by a polymethylene group to form a cycloalkyl.

The antidegradant compounds of the invention corresponding to formula I as described herein are obtained by reduction or hydrogenation of the diimines corresponding to formula III, as described hereinafter.

According to the invention, bisimines (also described herein as diimines) corresponding to formula III may be prepared by contacting a p-phenylenediamine represented by formula I with a dicarbonyl represented by formula II in the presence of a solvent. Preferred p-phenylenediamines include those in which X corresponds to methyl or hydrogen, and especially hydrogen, that is, 4-aminodiphenylamine (4-ADPA). Preferred dicarbonyls according to formula II include those in which R¹ and R³ are each selected from the group consisting of butyl, propyl, ethyl, methyl, or hydrogen, and especially methyl or hydrogen. Examples of dicarbonyls useful according to the invention include diacetyl and glyoxal.

In preparing the diimines of formula III according to the invention, the solvent may be an alcohol, such as, but not limited to, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and n-butanol, or may be an organic solvent such as hexane, cyclohexane, heptane, toluene, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and mixtures thereof. The reaction may be carried out, if necessary or desirable, in the presence of an acid catalyst such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, HCl, H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄, or mixtures thereof.

The temperature of the reaction may be, for example, from about 0° C. to about 150° C., or from 0° C. to 100° C., or from 5° C. to about 75° C., or from 40° C. to 60° C. The product becomes insoluble in the reaction mixture allowing for ease of separation and purification. For example, the reaction mixture may be cooled to ambient temperature for a period of time, the solids filtered and washed, for example with NaHCO₃, followed by one or more washings with water. The filter cake may then be washed, for example in a mixture of an alcohol such as isopropanol and an organic solvent such as heptane. The solids may then be dried, for example in a 50° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep, to obtain the diimine. Each of the parameters described may impact the reaction kinetics, conversion, and selectivity. It may be preferred that reaction conditions are selected such that time required for completion is 0.5 hrs to 36 hrs.

To prepare bisimines represented by formula III in which R¹═R³═H, p-phenylenediamines represented by formula I, preferably one in which X=hydrogen, that is 4-ADPA, are reacted with the dicarbonyl represented by formula II wherein R¹═R³═H, that is, glyoxal, in the presence of a solvent, for example, such as an alcohol, including but not limited to methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and n-butanol. The reaction may be carried out at temperatures such as those set out above, or from about 0° C. to about 100° C.

To prepare bisimines represented by formula III wherein R¹═R³=methyl, p-phenylenediamines represented by formula I, and especially 4-ADPA, may be reacted with the dicarbonyl represented by formula II in which R¹═R³=methyl, that is, diacetyl, in the presence of a solvent and an acid catalyst.

The solvent can be methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-butanol, hexane, cyclohexane, heptane, toluene, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and mixtures thereof.

The acid catalyst can be formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, HCl, H₂SO₄, and H₃PO₄.

The temperature of the reaction is preferably carried out between 25° C. and 150° C., or as set out above, and may be dictated by the boiling point of the solvent system used, including mixtures of solvents if mixtures are used. In this embodiment, 4-ADPA may be reacted with diacetyl to obtain 4,4-(((2E,3E)-butane-2,3-diylidene)bis(azaneylylidene))bis(N-phenylaniline).

Each of the above parameters impacts the reaction kinetics, conversion, and selectivity. It is preferred that reaction conditions are selected such that time required for completion is from about 30 minutes to about 36 hrs.

According to the invention, the antidegradant compounds of formula I are prepared by reduction or hydrogenation of the precursor diimines or bisimines such as those obtained as just described. This reduction may be carried out in the presence of a solvent and with either 1) a homogeneous or heterogeneous metal catalyst in the presence of hydrogen gas or formic acid or formic acid salt, or 2) a reducing agent.

The solvent can be selected from those commonly used in hydrogenation reactions. Examples of such solvents include but are not limited to methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, cyclohexane, ethylene glycol, tert-butyl methyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, acetic acid, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-butylpyrrolidone, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, methyl isobutyl ketone. These solvents can be used individually or in combination as a mixture.

When dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide are used as a solvent or as part of a solvent mixture, it has been observed that the hydrogenation reaction conditions can lead to the release of some concentration of dimethylamine. The presence of the liberated amine may have a beneficial impact on the selectivity of the catalytic hydrogenation reaction. It may therefore be desirable to add exogeneous dimethylamine or other amines to a reaction when DMF is not present. Examples of such amines include, but are not limited to, methylamine, dimethylamine, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine, piperazine, DABCO, DBU, and mixtures thereof.

The amount of solvent used is based on the amount of diimine represented by formula III such that the weight % catalyst ranges from about 1 to about 75%, or from 5 to 50%, or from 25-40%, excluding water content, based on the amount of diimine present.

Examples of metal catalysts that can be used for hydrogenation or reduction include, but are not limited to, palladium on carbon, palladium on alumina, platinum on carbon, sulfided platinum on carbon, platinum on alumina, platinum on silica, platinum oxide, Raney nickel, Raney cobalt, ruthenium on carbon, ruthenium on alumina, and a homogenous metal catalyst such as chlorotris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) (Wilkinson's catalyst).

The amount of catalyst used may be based on the amount of diimine represented by formula II such that the weight % catalyst ranges from about 0.005 to about 20% by weight of active catalyst excluding water content, with respect to the amount of diimine present.

The hydrogen pressure used in the catalytic hydrogenation can vary widely, and may range from about atmospheric pressure to about 2,000 psig, or from atmospheric to 500 psig, or at approximately atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, formic acid or formic acid salts can serve as the source of hydrogen for the reduction.

The temperature of the reaction can range from ambient temperature up to 250° C.

Each of the above parameters impact the reaction kinetics, conversion, and selectivity. It is preferred that reaction conditions are selected such that time required for completion is from about 30 minutes to about 12 hrs, or from 1-3 hrs.

For reductions of the bisimines to obtain the antidegradant compounds of the invention, reducing agents such as di-isobutyl aluminum hydride and lithium aluminum hydride may be used in combination with a solvent such as diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, or tert-butylmethyl ether. Sodium borohydride, lithium borohydride, and sodium cyanoborohydride can also be used in combination with solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol. 1H-Benzotriazole can also be used as an additive in combination with borohydride reduction conditions.

A mixture of the disclosed diamine products according to formula 1 and an alky, aryl p-phenylenediamine such as 6PPD (N-1,3-dimethylbutyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine or N1-(4-methylpentan-2-yl)-N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or IPPD can be produced by using a ketone such as MIBK or acetone, respectively, as the hydrogenation reaction solvent (see the examples). Such a product may be desirable to produce an antidegradant product mixture having two different migration characteristics. The reaction proceeds with hydrogenation of the diimine to form the diamine. Concomitantly, the ketone solvent will react with any residual 4-ADPA in the diimine starting material, any added additional 4-ADPA and/or any 4-ADPA from hydrolysis of the diimine to form the alkylaryl p-phenylenediamine.

In a specific embodiment, a mixture of N1,N1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) and N-1,3-dimethylbutyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD, or N1-(4-methylpentan-2-yl)-N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diaminebe prepared by charging the appropriate bisimine, methyl isobutyketone (MIBK), and a hydrogenation catalyst such as 3% Pt—C (sulfided) catalyst to a reaction vessel, and reacting at elevated temperature and pressure, as further described herein and in the examples.

In a specific embodiment, the invention relates to antidegradant compounds represented by formula I wherein R¹═R³═H. These compounds may be prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of bisimines represented by formula III wherein R¹═R³═H. In this embodiment, the solvent can be selected from those commonly used in hydrogenation reactions. Examples of such solvents include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, cyclohexane, ethylene glycol, tert-butyl methyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, acetic acid, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-butylpyrrolidone, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, methyl isobutyl ketone. These solvents can be used individually or in combination as a mixture. It is most preferable to select ethanol alone or in combination with an amide solvent, such as dimethylformamide.

In this embodiment, when dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide are used as a solvent or as part of a solvent mixture, it has been observed that the hydrogenation reaction conditions can lead to the release of some concentration of dimethylamine. The presence of the liberated amine may have a beneficial impact on the selectivity of the catalytic hydrogenation reaction. It may therefore be desirable to add exogeneous dimethylamine or other amines to reactions when DMF is not present. Examples of such amines include but are not limited to methylamine, dimethylamine, triethylamine, pyridine, piperidine, piperazine, DABCO, DBU, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of metal catalysts that can be used for hydrogenation in this embodiment include but are not limited to palladium on carbon, palladium on alumina, platinum on carbon, sulfided platinum on carbon, platinum on alumina, platinum on silica, platinum oxide, Raney nickel, Raney cobalt, ruthenium on carbon, ruthenium on alumina, and a homogenous metal catalyst such as chlorotris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) (Wilkinson's catalyst). In this embodiment, Raney nickel catalyst may be preferred.

In this embodiment, the isolation of the antidegradant compound represented by formula I, when R¹═R³═H, can be carried out by addition of a non-solvent to the reaction mixture so that the product is made insoluble to allow for filtration of the product. Non-solvents can be selected from water, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, glycol ethers, or mixtures thereof.

In a further specific embodiment, antidegradant compounds represented by formula I are obtained wherein R¹═R³=methyl. These compounds may be prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of a bisimine represented by formula III wherein R¹═R³=methyl.

In this embodiment, the solvent can be selected from those commonly used in hydrogenation reactions. Examples of such solvents include, but are not limited to, methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, butanol, cyclohexane, ethylene glycol, tert-butyl methyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, acetic acid, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, N-butylpyrrolidone, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, methyl isobutyl ketone. These solvents can be used individually or in combinations as a mixture. It may be preferable in this embodiment to select ethanol, or ethyl acetate, or a mixture of the two.

As noted, examples of metal catalysts that can be used for hydrogenation include but are not limited to palladium on carbon, palladium on alumina, platinum on carbon, sulfided platinum on carbon, platinum on alumina, platinum on silica, platinum oxide, Raney nickel, Raney cobalt, ruthenium on carbon, ruthenium on alumina, and a homogenous metal catalyst such as chlorotris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) (Wilkinson's catalyst). In this embodiment, it may be preferable to use platinum on carbon or sulfided platinum on carbon.

In this embodiment, the isolation of the antidegradant compound represented by formula I wherein R¹═R³=methyl can be carried out by removal of the volatile solvent to afford the product as a molten liquid that hardens upon cooling to ambient temperature.

The compounds of the present invention may also be prepared from a polyalcohol starting material through a hydrogen autotransfer procedure using a homogenous or heterogeneous catalyst (see e.g. Guillena, et. al. Chem. Rev. 2010, 110, 1611 for a general description of the mechanism). The compounds of interest can also be prepared from a polycarbonyl starting material using a heterogeneous transition metal catalyst in the presence of hydrogen.

Precursors for compounds of the present invention, the compounds of the present invention and methods for their manufacture are illustrated by the following examples, which are not intended in to any limit the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Example 1: Preparation of Precursor (N,N′,N,N′)—N,N′-(ethane-1,2-diylidene)bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or 4,4′-(((1E,2E)-ethane-1,2-diylidene)bis(azaneylylidene))bis(N-phenylaniline)

In a 3-neck 1 L round-bottom flask with overhead stirrer, 4-ADPA (127 g, 689 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (200 proof, 363 mL). In a separate beaker, glyoxal (40% in water, 50 g, 345 mmol) was added to a mixture of EtOH:water (1:1, 100 mL). The glyoxal solution was then added drop wise to the reaction mixture over a 50 minute period—a red solid began to form during the addition. The mixture was stirred for an additional 20 minutes, after which water (150 mL) was added all at once to further precipite the dark red solid. The slurry was stirred overnight. After recovering the solid by filtration and washing with additional water, the red solid was placed in a 50° C. vacuum oven (with nitrogen sweep) overnight (131.57 g, 98% yield). ¹H NMR (300 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.49 (bs, 2H), 8.47 (s, 2H), 7.38 (m, 4H), 7.31-7.28 (m, 4H), 7.16-7.11 (m, 8H), 6.92-6.89 (m, 2H).

Example 2: Preparation of N,N′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N1,N1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N4-phenyl benzene-1,4-diamine)

DIBAL-H (122 g, 25 wt. % in toluene) was slowly cannulated into a 1 L round-bottom flask that contained THF (102 mL). Then the di-imine 1 (20.0 g, 50.2 mmol) was carefully added at ambient temperature. After the addition was complete, the mixture was heated to 60° C. and allowed to react for 19.25 hours. Then the reaction was cooled using an ice-water bath to ca. 5-10° C., at which point a saturated solution of NaK tartrate was added drop wise until the reaction mixture formed a gel. At that point, 250 mL of the NaK tartrate solution was quickly added, followed by 500 mL of EtOAc. The biphasic mixture was vigorously stirred overnight. The mixture was then transferred to a 1-L separatory funnel, and the layers were then separated. The organics were dried with Na₂SO₄. The mixture was then filtered through a short plug of silica gel, and the cake was rinsed with a small amount of EtOAc and THF. The product was isolated as a light brown powder (17.3 g, 86% yield). ICP analysis: 86 ppm aluminum. Tm=167.09° C. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.50 (bs, 2H), 7.10 (m, 4H), 6.91 (m, 4H), 6.79 (m, 4H), 6.62-6.58 (m, 6H), 5.35 (bs, 2H), 3.21 (m, 4H).

Example 3: Alternative preparation of N,N′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N1,N1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

Procedure: 20 g of water-wet Raney Ni slurry was transferred to a Parr bottle. Then 400 g of dimethylformamide (DMF) and 200 g of EtOH were added. 200 g of bis-imine 1 was added to the catalyst/solvent mixture. The bottle was placed in a Parr shaker apparatus and was purged with nitrogen three times. The vessel was purged with H₂ gas three times and then pressurized to 40 psig. Agitation was initiated, and the contents were heated to an internal set point of 48° C. Once the reaction was at temperature, the H₂ pressure was adjusted to 50 psig. The reaction was agitated for 2.5 hrs, and then allowed to cool to ambient temp over 1 hr. The catalyst was clarified by passing the mixture through a plug of celite, using a minimal amount of DMF/EtOH (110 g DMF, 140 g of EtOH) to rinse the bottle and cake. The homogeneous mixture was transferred to a 1 L round-bottom flask with magnetic stir bar. 750 g of water was added via pressure-equalizing dropping funnel over a 40 minute period with vigorous stirring. The precipitated solids were filtered through a 1 micron glass fiber disc and washed with 2.5 L of water. The solids were transferred to a 1 L Erlenmeyer flask and stirred with a stir bar in ca. 750 mL of H₂O for 4 hrs. The solids were once again filtered and washed with additional H₂O. The brown solid was placed in a 60° C. vacuum oven with N₂ sweep and allowed to dry overnight. Isolated yield: 179 g, 90% yield, 99% selectivity. Tm=167.09° C. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.50 (bs, 2H), 7.10 (m, 4H), 6.91 (m, 4H), 6.79 (m, 4H), 6.62-6.58 (m, 6H), 5.35 (bs, 2H), 3.21 (m, 4H).

Example 4: Preparation of Precursor 4,4-(((2E,3E)-butane-2,3-diylidene)bis(azaneylylidene))bis(N-phenylaniline)

In a 3-neck 1 L round-bottom flask with overhead stirrer, 4-ADPA (128 g, 689 mmol) was dissolved in EtOH (200 proof, 375 mL). Biacetyl (30.0 g, 348 mmol) was added drop wise via pressure-equalizing addition funnel over a 20 minute period. After 13 hours, heptane (375 mL) was added in ca. 50 mL portions over a 40 minute period (slow addition of heptane helped to reduce clumping). The mixture was vigorously stirred for 15 minutes and then filtered. The solids were washed with additional heptane and then dried in a 50° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep (67.45 g, 46% yield). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.13 (bs, 2H), 7.24 (m, 4H), 7.12 (m, 4H), 7.06 (m, 4H), 6.82-6.79 (m, 6H) 2.17 (s, 6H).

Example 5: Alternative Preparation of 4,4-(((2E,3E)-butane-2,3-diylidene)bis(azaneylylidene))bis(N-phenylaniline)

Procedure: In a 3-neck 3 L round-bottom flask with overhead stirrer, 4-ADPA (690 g, 3.8 mol) was dissolved in 1800 g of EtOH and 780 g of heptane. 5.02 g of phosphoric acid (85%) was then added. Biacetyl (150 g, 1.7 mol) was added drop wise via pressure-equalizing addition funnel over a 5 minute period. The mixture was heated to 50° C. After 24 hours, the reaction was cooled to ambient temperature. The yellow-green solids were filtered washed with 1 L of saturated NaHCO₃, followed by two, 1 L washings with water. The filter cake was washed with 1 L of isopropanol and then 1 L of heptane. The solids were dried in a 50° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep (569 g, 78% yield). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.13 (bs, 2H), 7.24 (m, 4H), 7.12 (m, 4H), 7.06 (m, 4H), 6.82-6.79 (m, 6H) 2.17 (s, 6H).

Example 6: Preparation of N,N′-(butane-2,3-diyl)bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N1,N1′-(butane-2,3-diyl)bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

LiAlH₄ (7.40 g, 1995 mmol) was carefully added to THF (162 mL) in a 1 L round-bottom flask. Di-imine 3 (20.4 g, 48.7 mmol) was carefully added to the solution. After the addition was complete, the reaction was refluxed for 4 hrs. After this time, the mixture was cooled using an ice water bath and then carefully quenched by the drop wise addition of water (25 mL) followed by drop wise addition of 15% NaOH (50 mL). An additional 150 mL of water was added to the mixture and then stirred overnight. After filtration, the brown liquid was concentrated under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator. The resulting brown solid was washed with heptane and then dried in a 45° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep (16.5 g, 80% yield). (¹H NMR indicated a mixture of the meso compound and corresponding isomer). Tm=175.02° C. ¹H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.24 (m, 4H), 7.00 (m, 4H), 6.85-6.75 (m, 6H), 6.70-6.55 (m, 4H), 5.40 (bs, 2H), 3.75-3.50 (m, 4H), 1.25 (m, 6H).

Example 7: Alternative Preparation of N,N′-(butane-2,3-diyl)bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N1,N1′-(butane-2,3-diyl)bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

Procedure: 2.5 g of 5% Pt—C(50% water wet) was transferred to a Parr bottle. Then 75 g of EtOAc was added 25 g of bis-imine 3 was added to the catalyst/solvent mixture. The bottle was placed in a Parr shaker apparatus and was purged with nitrogen three times. The vessel was purged with H₂ gas three times and then pressurized to 50 psig. Agitation was initiated. The reaction was agitated for 3 hrs. The catalyst was clarified by passing the mixture through a plug of celite. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator. The product was isolated a viscous liquid that solidified upon cooling to ambient temperature. Recovered 22 g, 86% yield, 99% selectivity. (¹H NMR indicated a mixture of the meso compound and corresponding isomer). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.49 (bs, 4H, major isomer), 7.47 (bs, 2H, minor isomer), 7.10 (m, 4H), 6.92-6.86 (m, 4H), 6.79 (m, 4H), 6.64-6.55 (m, 6H), 5.07 (d, 2H, major isomer), 4.92 (d, 2H, minor isomer), 3.51 (m, 4H), 1.15 (d, 6H, major isomer), 1.11 (d, 6H, minor isomer).

Example 8: Alternative Preparation of N,N′-(butane-2,3-diyl)bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N1,N1′-(butane-2,3-diyl)bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

Procedure: Acetoin (5.0 g, 57 mmol) was transferred to a 250 mL round-bottom flask with magnetic stir bar. Then 4-ADPA (21 g, 110 mmol) was added to the flask followed by the addition of EtOH (75 g). Amberlyst 15 (dry, 500 mg) was added to the mixture, which was then allowed to stir for 70 hrs at 50° C. The mix was then allowed to cool to ambient temperature and stirred for an additional 5 hrs. The yellow solids/catalyst were filtered and washed with some heptane. NMR analysis of intermediate indicated the desired ene-diamine. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.13 (bs, 2H), 7.24 (m, 4H), 7.12 (m, 4H), 7.07 (m, 4H), 6.81 (m, 6H), 2.17 (s, 6H). 3.5 g of ene-diamine/catalyst mixture and 500 mg of 5% Pt—C(50% water wet) were transferred to a Parr bottle. Then 50 g of EtOAc and 25 g of EtOH were added. The bottle was placed in a Parr shaker apparatus and was purged with nitrogen three times. The vessel was purged with H₂ gas three times and then pressurized to 50 psig. Agitation was initiated, and the reaction was agitated for 2.5 hrs. The catalyst was clarified by passing the mixture through a plug of celite. The volatiles were removed under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator. (¹H NMR indicated a mixture of the meso compound and corresponding isomer). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.49 (bs, 4H, major isomer), 7.47 (bs, 2H, minor isomer), 7.10 (m, 4H), 6.92-6.86 (m, 4H), 6.79 (m, 4H), 6.64-6.55 (m, 6H), 5.07 (d, 2H, major isomer), 4.92 (d, 2H, minor isomer), 3.51 (m, 4H), 1.15 (d, 6H, major isomer), 1.11 (d, 6H, minor isomer).

Example 9: Preparation of a mixture of N,N′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) (N1,N1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)) Compound 2 and N-1,3-dimethylbutyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD

A mixture of 3.0 g of the bis-imine 1, 75 mL of methyl isobutyketone (MIBK) and 0.10 g of 3% Pt—C(sulfided) catalyst was charged to a 300 mL Parr autoclave. The system was purged three times with nitrogen by pressurizing to 100 psig and releasing. After the nitrogen purge, the system was pressurized to 400 psig with hydrogen and heated to 125° C. with agitation rate at 1800 rpm. The hydrogen pressure was maintained at 400 psig throughout the reaction. The system was reacted for 5.5 hrs at which time no further hydrogen consumption could be detected. The autoclave was cooled to room temperature. HPLC-MS analysis revealed the product mixture to contain approximately equal amounts of the diamine product (compound 2) and 6PPD.

Example 10: Preparation of N,N′-(octane-1,8-diyl)bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N1,N1′-(octane-1,8-diyl)bis(N4-phenyl benzene-1,4-diamine)

Octane-1,8-diol (10.0 g, 68.4 mmol), 4-ADPA (25.2 g, 137 mmol), and RuCl2(PPh3)3 (3.28 g, 3.42 mmol) were transferred to a 250 mL thick-walled, round bottom flask with a Teflon screw-top. A magnetic stir bar was added. The flask was sealed and then heated to 135° C. After 2.5 hours at this temperature, the reaction was then cooled to ambient temperature. The resulting monoclinic blue solid was dissolved in THF (150 mL). The solution was then filtered through a plug of silica gel and rinsed with heptane:EtOAc (1:1). The volatiles were stripped under reduced pressure. The solid was rinsed with some toluene and dried in a 50° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep. XRF analysis of the solid revealed 1,000 ppm ruthenium contamination. After multiple passes through silica plugs and activated carbon, compound 5 was isolated as a light gray solid (1.81 g, 2.65% yield). XRF analysis=95 ppm ruthenium. Tm=129.13° C. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.46 (bs, 2H), 7.09 (m, 4H), 6.88 (m, 4H), 6.77 (m, 4H), 6.60 (m, 2H), 6.53 (m, 4H), 5.23 (at, J=5.5 Hz, 2H), 2.97 (m, 4H), 1.56 (m, 4H), 1.43-1.28 (m, 8H).

Example 11: Preparation of Precursor (N,N,N,N)—N,N′-(1,4-phenylenebis(methanylylidene))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or 4,4′-(((1E,1′E)-1,4-phenylenebis(methaneylylidene))bis(azaneylylidene)) bis(N-phenylaniline)

Terephthalaldehyde (10.0 g, 74.6 mmol), 4-ADPA (32.9 g, 178 mmol), and p-TSA (709 mg, 3.73 mmol) were transferred to a 3-necked 500 mL round-bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar and thermocouple. Toluene (298 mL) was added. A Dean-Stark with condenser was placed on the flask, and the mixture was heated to reflux. After 10 hours, ca. 3 mL of water had collected. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature. The resulting green solid was filtered and then rinsed with some toluene followed by heptane. Compound 6 was isolated as a crystalline green solid after drying in a 50° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep (34.8 g, Quant.). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.74 (s, 2H), 8.35 (bs, 2H), 8.03 (s, 4H), 7.35 (m, 4H), 7.27 (m, 4H), 7.13 (m, 8H), 6.87 (m, 2H).

Example 12: Preparation of N,N′-(1,4-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N1,N1′-(1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)) bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

DIBAL-H (101 g, 25 wt. % in toluene) was slowly cannulated into a 1 L round-bottom flask that contained THF (86 mL). Then the di-imine 6 (20.0 g, 42.9 mmol) was carefully added at ambient temperature. After the addition was complete, the mixture was heated to 60° C. and allowed to react for 19 hours (after 3 hours of reaction time, additional DIBAL-H (20.0 g, 25 wt. % in toluene) was added). Then the reaction was cooled using an ice-water bath to ca. 5-10° C., at which point a saturated solution of NaK tartrate was added drop wise until the reaction mixture formed a gel. At that point, 275 mL of the NaK tartrate solution was quickly added, followed by 500 mL of EtOAc. The biphasic mixture was vigorously stirred overnight. The mixture was then transferred to a 1-L separatory funnel, and the layers were then separated. The organics (along with some suspended solids) were then washed with 10% NaOH (250 mL). The combined aqueous components were extracted with EtOAc (400 mL). The organics were combined and washed with water (200 mL). The organics were dried with Na₂SO₄. The mixture was then filtered, and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The solids were washed with 10% NaOH (125 mL), followed by water. The solids were then placed in a flask with a stir bar and vigorously stirred with additional water. After filtration, the solids were then vigorously stirred in heptane (200 mL). The solids were filtered and washed with some additional heptane. The light-gray solid was placed in a 45° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep (17.45 g of isolated product). ICP analysis: 397 ppm aluminum. The solids were re-dissolved in EtOAc:THF (1:1). The mixture was passed through a short plug of silica gel. The plug was rinsed with additional EtOAc:THF. The volatiles were then removed under reduced pressure. The solids were collected by filtration, using heptane to aid in removal from the flask. After drying in a vacuum oven overnight (15.2 g, 75% yield), the solid was re-analyzed using ICP. ICP analysis: 13 ppm aluminum. Tm=165.34° C. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.47 (bs, 2H), 7.33 (s, 4H), 7.08 (m, 4H), 6.85 (m, 4H), 6.79 (m, 4H), 6.77 (m, 4H), 6.59 (m, 2H), 6.55 (m, 4H), 5.91 (at, J=5.0 Hz, 2H), 4.21 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 4H).

Example 13: Preparation of Precursor (N,N′)—N,N′-(1,3-phenylenebis(methanylylidene))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or 4,4′-(((1E,1′E)-1,3-phenylenebis(methaneylylidene))bis(azaneylylidene)) bis(N-phenylaniline)

Isophthalaldehyde (10.0 g, 74.6 mmol), 4-ADPA (27.5 g, 149 mmol), and p-TSA (709 mg, 3.73 mmol) were transferred to a 3-necked 500 mL round-bottom flask equipped with a magnetic stir bar and thermocouple. Toluene (149 mL) was added. A Dean-Stark with condenser was placed on the flask, and the mixture was heated to reflux (a green solid precipitated during heat-up but re-dissolved upon further heating). After 2 hours, ca. 3 mL of water had collected. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature. Heptane (300 mL) was added to the flask, and the contents were stirred for an additional 45 minutes. The solid was collected by filtration and subsequently washed with a saturated solution of NaHCO₃, EtOH, water, and then a final EtOH wash. After drying, the solid was triturated with toluene (400 mL) and then filtered once again. The resulting residue was rinsed with some EtOAc. The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to reveal a yellow solid that was dried in a 50° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep (24.7 g, 70.9% yield). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.77 (s, 2H), 8.47 (t, J=1.7 Hz, 1H), 8.32 (s, 2H), 8.02 (dd, J=1.6, 7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.64 (t, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.34 (m, 4H), 7.27 (m, 4H), 7.13 (m, 8H), 6.86 (m, 2H).

Example 14: Preparation of N,N′-(1,3-phenylenebis(methylene))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N1,N1′-(1,3-phenylenebis(methylene)) bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

DIBAL-H (98.0 g, 25 wt. % in toluene) was slowly cannulated into a 1 L round-bottom flask that contained THF (106 mL). Then the di-imine 8 (24.7 g, 52.8 mmol) was carefully added at ambient temperature. After the addition was complete, the mixture was heated to 60° C. and allowed to react for 17.5 hours. Then the reaction was cooled using an ice-water bath to ca. 5-10° C., at which point a saturated solution of NaK tartrate was added drop wise until the reaction mixture formed a gel. At that point, 650 mL of the NaK tartrate solution was quickly added, followed by 500 mL of EtOAc. The biphasic mixture was vigorously stirred overnight. The mixture was then transferred to a 1-L separatory funnel, and the layers were then separated. The organics were dried with Na₂SO₄. The mixture was then filtered through a short plug of silica gel, and the cake was rinsed with a small amount of EtOAc and THF. The product was isolated as a light brown powder (21.5 g, 86% yield). Tm=103.92° C. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.47 (bs, 2H), 7.41 (t, J=1.6 Hz, 1H), 7.27 (m, 4H), 7.08 (m, 4H), 6.87 (m, 4H), 6.78 (m, 4H), 6.62-6.56 (m, 6H), 5.92 (t, J=6.0 Hz, 2H), 4.22 (d, J=6.0 Hz, 4H).

Example 15: Preparation of Precursor (N,N′,N,N′)—N,N′-(1,4-phenylenebis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or 4,4′-(((1E,1′E)-1,4-phenylenebis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(azaneylylidene)) bis(N-phenylaniline)

1,4-Diacetyl benzene (50.0 g, 310 mmol), 4-ADPA (128 g, 690 mmol), and p-TSA (4.37 g, 23.1 mmol) were transferred to a 4-necked 3 L round-bottom flask equipped with an overhead stirrer and thermocouple. Toluene (750 mL) was added. A Dean-Stark with condenser was placed on the flask, and the mixture was heated to reflux (a green solid precipitated during heat-up but re-dissolved upon further heating). After 7 hours, ca. 10 mL of water had collected. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature. The solid was collected by filtration and subsequently washed with a saturated solution of NaHCO₃, water, and then EtOH. After drying in a 50° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep, the product was isolated as a green crystalline solid (139.1 g, 91% yield). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 8.08 (bs, 6H), 7.23 (m, 4H), 7.12 (m, 4H), 7.06 (m, 4H), 6.80 (m, 6H), 2.33 (s, 6H).

Example 16: Preparation of N,N′-(1,4-phenylenebis(ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N1,N1′-(1,4-phenylenebis (ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

DIBAL-H (134 g, 25 wt. % in toluene) was slowly cannulated into a 1 L round-bottom flask. THF (81 mL) was then slowly added. Then the di-imine 10 (20.0 g, 40.4 mmol) was carefully added at ambient temperature. After the addition was complete, the mixture was heated to 60° C. and allowed to react for 25 hours. Then the reaction was cooled using an ice-water bath to ca. 5-10° C., at which point a saturated solution of NaK tartrate was added drop wise until the reaction mixture formed a gel. At that point, 500 mL of the NaK tartrate solution was quickly added, followed by 500 mL of EtOAc. The biphasic mixture was vigorously stirred overnight. The mixture was then transferred to a 1-L separatory funnel, and the layers were then separated. The organics were washed with a 10% NaOH solution (110 mL) and then water (200 mL×2). The organics were dried with Na₂SO₄. The mixture was then filtered. The solids were suspended in heptane (ca. 250 mL) and vigorously stirred. The solids were collected by filtration and then dried in a 50° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep. The product was isolated as a tan powder (17.8 g, 88% yield). ICP analysis: 11 ppm aluminum. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.41 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (bs, 4H), 7.06 (m, 4H), 6.80 (m, 4H), 6.74 (m, 4H), 6.58 (m, 2H), 6.48 (m, 4H), 5.81 (m, 2H), 4.39 (m, 2H), 1.39 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 6H).

Example 17: Preparation of Precursor (N,N′,N,N′)—N,N′-(1,3-phenylenebis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or 4,4′-(((1E,1′E)-1,3-phenylenebis(ethan-1-yl-1-ylidene))bis(azaneylylidene)) bis(N-phenylaniline)

1,3-Diacetyl benzene (30.0 g, 185 mmol), 4-ADPA (77.0 g, 184 mmol), and p-TSA (2.62 g, 13.9 mmol) were transferred to a 4-necked 3-L round-bottom flask equipped with an overhead stirrer and thermocouple. Toluene (450 mL) was added. A Dean-Stark with condenser was placed on the flask, and the mixture was heated to reflux. After 8 hours, ca. 6.1 mL of water had collected. The mixture was cooled to ambient temperature. The solid was collected by filtration and subsequently washed with a saturated solution of NaHCO₃, water, and then EtOH. After drying in a 50° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep, 12 was isolated as a green crystalline solid (41.0 g, 45% yield). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 8.59 (m, 2H), 8.10 (dd, J=1.8, 7.8 Hz, 2H), 8.07 (bs, 2H), 7.12 (m, 4H), 7.59 (t, J=8.0 Hz, 1H), 7.22 (m, 4H), 7.12 (m, 4H), 7.05 (m, 4H), 6.79 (m, 6H), 2.34 (s, 6H).

Example 18: Preparation of N,N′-(1,3-phenylenebis(ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N1,N1′-(1,3-phenylenebis (ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

DIBAL-H (99.0 g, 25 wt. % in toluene) was slowly cannulated into a 1 L round-bottom flask containing THF (99.0 mL) that was cooled using an ice water bath. Then the di-imine 12 (24.5 g, 49.4 mmol) was carefully added at ambient temperature. After the addition was complete, the mixture was heated to 60° C. and allowed to react for 17.5 hours. Then the reaction was cooled using an ice-water bath to ca. 5-10° C., at which point a saturated solution of NaK tartrate was added drop wise until the reaction mixture formed a gel. At that point, 300 mL of the NaK tartrate solution was quickly added, followed by 300 mL of EtOAc. The biphasic mixture was vigorously stirred overnight. The mixture was then transferred to a 1-L separatory funnel, and the layers were then separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with additional EtOAc (250 mL). The organics were combined and dried with Na2SO4. After filtration, the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The solids were then dried in a 50° C. vacuum oven with nitrogen sweep. The product was isolated as a tan powder (18.7 g, 76% yield). ¹H NMR (500 MHz, DMSO-d6) δ 7.41 (m, 2H), 7.37 (bs, 1H), 7.21 (m, 3H), 7.05 (m, 4H), 6.79 (m, 4H), 6.73 (m, 4H), 6.58 (m, 2H), 6.48 (m, 4H), 5.80 (m, 2H), 1.39 (at, J=6.5 Hz, 6H).

Example 19: N-methylated mixture of N-phenyl-N-(1-(4-(1-((4-(phenylamino)phenyl)amino)ethyl)phenyl)ethyl)benzene-1,4-diamine or N1,N1′-(1,4-phenylenebis(ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

As part of testing to confirm that methylated derivatives of Compound 11 are also effective antidegradants within the scope of the present invention, Compound 11 (51.2 g, 103 mmol) was placed in a 2-necked 1 L rb flask with overhead stirrer and then dissolved in acetone (0.50 M, 206 mL). Dimethyl sulfate (26.0 g, 206 mmol) was added all at once to the mixture. NaOH (10.34 g, 258 mmol) was dissolved in H₂O (10.6 g) and then added all at once. The reaction was stirred for 24 hrs, and the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure. The brown residue was taken up in EtOAc (250 mL) and H₂O (250 mL). The layers were separated. The aqueous component was extracted with additional EtOAc (100 mL). The organics were combined and dried with MgSO₄. After filtration, the volatiles were removed under reduced pressure to reveal the product as a light-brown solid (recovered 50.3 g). ¹H NMR indicated a mixture of compounds of the present invention wherein each compound is represented by formula identified above as “14”.

The compounds of the present invention may also be synthesized by a catalytic reductive alkylation method from a polycarbonyl starting material and involving a heterogeneous transition metal catalyst in the presence of hydrogen. Examples of this method are provided below.

Example 20: Alternative preparation of N1,N1′-(1,4-phenylenebis(ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N,N′-(1,4-phenylenebis (ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

A mixture of 6.8 g. of 4-aminodiphenylamine (4-ADPA), 3.0 g. 1,4-diacetylbenzene, 75 ml. absolute ethanol, 0.6 g. sulfided 3% Pt/C catalyst and 1 g. of 1% phosphoric acid was charged to a 300 ml Parr autoclave. The system was purged three times with nitrogen by pressurizing to 100 psig and releasing. After the nitrogen purge, the system was heated to 150 C and then pressurized and maintained at 400 psig with hydrogen with agitation rate at 1800 rpm. The system was reacted for 120 minutes at which time no further hydrogen consumption could be detected.

The autoclave was cooled to room temperature and the mixture containing heavy white solids was analyzed. HPLC-MS analysis revealed complete conversion of 4-ADPA. The white solids were revealed by the same analysis to be the desired product N,N′-(1,4-phenylenebis(ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine).

Example 21: Alternative Preparation of N1,N1′-(1,3-phenylenebis(ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) or N,N′-(1,3-phenylenebis (ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)

A mixture of 6.8 g. of 4-aminodiphenylamine (4-ADPA), 3.0 g. 1,3-diacetylbenzene, 75 ml. absolute ethanol, 0.6 g. sulfided 3% Pt/C catalyst and 1 g. of 1% phosphoric acid was charged to a 300 ml Parr autoclave. The system was purged three times with nitrogen by pressurizing to 100 psig and releasing. After the nitrogen purge, the system was heated to 150 C and then pressurized and maintained at 400 psig with hydrogen with agitation rate at 1800 rpm. The system was reacted for 120 minutes at which time no further hydrogen consumption could be detected.

The autoclave was cooled to room temperature and the light brown solution was analyzed. HPLC-MS analysis of the solution revealed the desired product N1,N1′-(1,3-phenylenebis(ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) (N,N′-(1,3-phenylenebis(ethane-1,1-diyl))bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine)) to be the major product and minor amounts of by-products resulting from addition of only one 4-ADPA molecule to the 1,3-diacetylbenzene.

In order to demonstrate the multiple efficacies of the compounds of present invention, analytical procedures to measure oxygen degradation inhibition, ozone degradation inhibition and fatigue and crack propagation inhibition were performed. To demonstrate antioxidant efficacy, the oxidative induction time (OIT) of selected examples were evaluated. OIT is measured according to a procedure carried out in a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and is used by those of ordinary skill in the art to predict thermo-oxidative performance of a material. In this procedure, samples held in a sample cell and heated under a nitrogen atmosphere to a preselected temperature (for the present application 150° C.). Oxygen is then introduced to the sample cell and the length of time before the onset of degradation, as seen by the initiation of an endothermic process in the DSC trace, is measured. [N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD, or N1-(4-methylpentan-2-yl)-N4-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine) and N-(1,4-dimethylpentyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (7PPD), known antidegradant additives for rubber that are commercially available from Eastman Chemical Company under the trademark Santoflex®, were also tested as controls for OIT. The results are listed in the following table:

TABLE 1 Oxidative Induction Time (OIT) measured at 150° C. OIT at 150° C. Example (minutes) no additive   4 6-PPD (control)  37 7-PPD (control)  66  2 212  4 334  5 383  7 475  9 470 11 620 13 584 14 535

As indicated by the above data, the compounds of the present invention demonstrate surprisingly excellent antioxidant performance that compares well to 6PPD and 7PPD and indicates utility in fuels, lubes, tires and other applications that can benefit from a highly active antioxidant compound).

To demonstrate antiozonant efficacy, thin film ozonolysis of liquid nitrile rubber containing of selected examples of the compounds of the present invention was performed using a modified infrared spectroscopic technique. Liquid nitrile rubber was chosen as the substrate for ozonolysis studies as the nitrile group has an unperturbed infrared absorbance at 2237 cm⁻¹ that serves as a convenient internal reference to monitor the extent of the ozonolysis reaction. Extent of the reaction was followed by the increase in ratio of the carbonyl absorbance peak at 1725 cm⁻¹ to the reference peak at 2237 cm⁻¹.

To prepare samples for this analysis, liquid nitrile rubber (1312LV, Zeon Chemicals L.P., Louisville, Ky.) was dissolved into THF to make a 10% solution. For the samples in Table 2 below, the antidegradants formed in examples 2 and 11 were each added to separate amounts of liquid nitrile rubber solution such that the samples each contained 1 weight % concentrations of antidegradant based on the weight of nitrile rubber. 600 microliters of each antidegradant-containing composition was placed on a ZnSe horizontal attenuated total reflectance crystal trough plate (HATR) and dried under a stream of nitrogen to create a thin film of each composition for testing. A control sample using commercially available 6PPD antidegradant was also formed by (i) creating a composition containing 6PPD antidegradant in the liquid nitrile rubber 10% solution with 6PPD in an amount of 1% by weight based on the weight of nitrile rubber and (ii) forming a thin film of the control composition as described above.

Each thin film sample was then subjected to ozonolysis in a polystyrene chamber kept thermally equilibrated at 40° C. in a Shel Lab Model CESF oven (Shel Lab, Cornelius, Oreg.) with ozone generated using a A2Z Ozone Inc. (Louisville, Ky.) model MP-1000 ozone generator. The ozonolysis reaction was allowed to proceed for 100 minutes under an ozone concentration of approximately 5 ppm. The infrared spectra were recorded using a Perkin-Elmer Spectrum-2 spectrophotometer. The extent of ozonolysis reaction relative to 6PPD was determined as the ratio of the 1725 cm⁻¹/2237 cm⁻¹ absorbance ratio for the test materials divided by the ratio of the 1725 cm⁻¹/2237 cm⁻¹ absorbance for 6PPD.

TABLE 2 Compound Relative Extent of Ozonolysis Control 6PPD 1.00 1 Invention Ex. 2 0.43 2 Invention Ex. 11 0.37

As demonstrated by the above data, the antidegradants of the present invention reduced the relative extent of ozonolysis after 100 minutes by about 60% as compared to 6PPD. The compounds of the present invention therefore are shown to demonstrate surprisingly excellent antiozonant performance that is superior to currently commercial antidegradants and indicates utility in applications that can benefit from a highly active antiozonant compound.

As noted above, improving the fatigue resistance of a rubber compound can dramatically improve performance of a rubber compound (such as tire rubber compounds) in service. Accordingly, efficacy of the compounds of the present invention as an antifatigue agent when used in the manufacture of vulcanized articles formed from vulcanizable elastomeric formulations of the present invention was determined according to the method described below.

As a preliminary step in the creation of test samples, antidegradant masterbatches of the compositions set forth in Table 3 below were prepared, with two items including compounds of the present invention as antidegradant (specifically the compounds of examples 2 and 11 above) one control item including conventional 6PPD antidegradant; and a second control including 4,4′,4″-tris(1,3-dimethylbutylamino)triphenylamine (compound IV-a described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,833,417) as antidegradant. Masterbatches were prepared using a Kobelco Inc. 1.6 L banbury style mixer equipped with 4-wing H style rotors set to a rotor speed of 25 rpm. A DeltaTherm Delta T system Model AB431S temperature controller was used to control the mixer temperature to 80° C. Material weights in the proportions given in Table 3 were determined to fill 74% of the mixing chamber volume. Carbon black, ZnO, stearic acid, antidegradant and ⅓ of the rubber were added to the mixer and the ram was set to close the mixer, the start the mix time was taken when the ram was in the closed position. After 30 seconds of mixing, the ram was raised and ⅓ of the rubber was added, again the ram was set to close. After an additional 30 seconds of mixing after the ram closed, the final ⅓ of the rubber was added and the ram closed. The rotor speed was adjusted to 65 rpm and the ingredients were mixed until the mixer thermocouple sensor registered ˜170° C. The total time required for these steps was approximately 5 minutes. The temperature of the composition measured immediately after discharge was ˜170° C.

The masterbatch preparations were allowed to rest overnight and then passed through the mixer again the next day in order to ensure that the carbon black was well dispersed. This “remill” step was performed in the same 1.6 L mixer, with the mixer control set to 80° C., and the rotor speed set to 65 rpm. The first pass mixture was added to the mixer, the ram closed. Mixing continued until the thermocouple sensor registered 157° C. The total time required for the remill step was approximately three and three quarter minutes. The temperature of the composition measured immediately after discharge was ˜160° C.

TABLE 3 U.S. 8833417 compound example 2 example 11 6 PPD (IV-a) Component phr phr phr phr Natural Rubber TSR-10 100 100 100 100 N-330 Carbon Black 50 50 50 50 Zinc Oxide 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Stearic Acid 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 Antidegradant 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Total 158.5 158.5 158.5 158.5

To form test samples of vulcanizable elastomeric formulations of the present invention (as well as a control vulcanizable elastomeric formulation), a conventional vulcanizing agent (polymeric sulfur) and a conventional vulcanization accelerator, N,N′-Dicyclohexyl-2-benzothiazole sulfonamide (DCBS), were blended into each of the preformed antidegradant containing rubber masterbatches set forth in Table 3 at concentrations set forth in Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 U.S. Pat. No. 8,833,417 Compound example 2 example 11 6-PPD (IV-a) Table I Masterbatch 156.5 156.5 156.5 156.5 DCBS 1 1 1 1 Polymeric Sulfur 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Total 161.5 161.5 161.5 161.5

Mixing was performed using the same 1.6 L laboratory mixer, the temperature controller was set to 80° C. and the rotor speed was set to 35 rpm. Compositions were loaded into the mixer and the ram was set to close. After the ram was closed the batch was mixed for an addition 3 minutes. The total time required for the final mixing step was about three and three quarter minutes. The temperature of the vulcanizable elastomeric formulations as measured immediately after discharge was ˜95° C.

To form vulcanized elastomeric article samples for testing, the vulcanizable elastomeric formulations were then sheeted on a two roll mill to a thickness of 2 to 3 millimeters. In accordance to ASTM D4482-11, sheets were cut, pressed and vulcanized in a mold for 60 minutes at 140° C. to form 6 test samples from each formulation. The vulcanized items were then aged for 25 days at 77° C. and 40% relative humidity. Subsequent to aging, the samples were tested at 100% strain in conformance to ASTM D4482-11. The relative aged fatigue performance is reported in Table 5 below as the ratio of average of six samples of the present invention to the average of 6 control samples of 6-PPD containing material.

TABLE 5 U.S. Pat. No. 8,833,417 Compound Item number Example 2 Example 11 6-PPD (IV-a) Relative Aged Fatigue 1.85 2.05 1.00 0.59

As indicated by the above data, the articles formed from vulcanizable elastomeric formulations of the present invention demonstrate surprisingly excellent resistance to fatigue and crack propagation that is markedly better than the articles formed using conventional 6PPD antidegradant. The compounds of the present invention accordingly impart highly desirable levels of anti-fatigue resistance and are therefore efficacious anti-fatigue agents.

In another aspect briefly referenced above, the present invention is directed to a composition that includes at least one compound of the present invention as described above. The specific amount of the compound of the present invention that is included in the composition may vary widely depending on the intended use application for the composition. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill the art that the composition of the present invention can include one or more compounds of the present invention such that the concentration of each individual compound necessary to achieve the desired antidegradant efficacy is lower. Further, other known antidegradant additives may be included in the composition such that a reduced amount of the compound of the present invention may be required to achieve the total desired antidegradant efficacy.

In one embodiment that is exemplified in detail above, the composition of a present invention is a vulcanizable elastomeric formulation. The vulcanizable elastomeric formulation of the present invention includes at least one elastomer and the compound of the present invention. Preferably, the compound of the present invention is present in the vulcanizable elastomeric formulation in an amount of from 0.1 to 20.0 parts, preferably from 0.1 to 5.0 parts, per 100 parts elastomer.

The elastomer in the vulcanizable elastomeric formulation may be any vulcanizable unsaturated hydrocarbon elastomer known to one skilled in the art. These elastomers may include without limitation natural rubber or any synthetic rubber, for example diene containing elastomers such as polymers formed from butadiene; isoprene; or combinations of styrene and butadiene, or styrene and isoprene, or styrene, butadiene and isoprene; or polymers formed from ethylene, propylene and diene monomers such as ethylidene norbonadiene or 1,5-hexadiene. The vulcanizable elastomeric formulation may optionally also include other additives conventionally used in rubber processing, such as processing/flow aids, extenders, plasticizers, resins, adhesion promoters, bonding agents, buffers, fillers, pigments, activators, prevulcanization inhibitors, acid retarders, accelerators, fatty acids, zinc oxide, or other compounding ingredients or additives to further enhance the characteristics and/or improve the performance of the vulcanizable elastomeric formulation or the vulcanized elastomeric article from which it is formed Suitable accelerators may include, but not be limited to guanidines, thiazoles, sulfenamides, sulfenimides, dithiocarbamates, xanthates, thiurams, and combinations or mixtures thereof.

The vulcanizable elastomeric formulation of the present invention is useful in the manufacture of vulcanized elastomeric articles such as rubber belts and hoses, windshield wiper blades, vehicle tires and components thereof such as the tread, shoulder, sidewall and innerliner. Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vulcanized elastomeric article with at least one component formed from the vulcanizable elastomeric formulation of the present invention. In one particular embodiment, the vulcanized elastomeric article is a vehicle tire and the tire component is a sidewall.

While the foregoing aspects of the present invention have described utilities primarily focused in the area of compositions related to vulcanized elastomeric article manufacture, it will be understood that the compound of the present invention may also be useful in compositions for other utilities where antioxidant and/or antiozonant efficacy is desired. According and as described above, the present invention in a general aspect is directed to a composition including the compound of the present invention. In one embodiment, the composition is an antidegradant composition with utility and efficacy for inhibition of degradation of a composition, formulation or article to which it is added or applied. The antidegradant composition of the present invention therefore includes the compound of the present invention and optionally a carrier for the compound. Suitable carriers are substantially inert with respect to the compound and include waxes, oils, or solids such as carbon black or silica.

In a separate embodiment, the composition of the present invention has a separate primary utility or functionality (such as a coating, lubricant, oil, fuel additive or fuel composition) and includes a functional ingredient and the compound of the present invention as a component. The functional ingredient is typically a degradable material such as a hydrocarbon but may also include other degradable materials. This embodiment therefore encompasses for example, a lubricant composition that includes a lubricant as the functional ingredient and the compound of the present invention. This embodiment further encompasses a combustible fuel composition that includes a combustible fuel as the functional ingredient and the compound of the present invention. This embodiment further encompasses a fuel additive composition that includes a fuel additive as the functional ingredient and the compound of the present invention.

A person skilled in the art will recognize that the measurements described herein are standard measurements that can be obtained by a variety of different test methods. The test methods described represents only one available method to obtain each of the required measurements.

The foregoing description of various embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. Numerous modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled. 

1. A method of making an antidegradant compound, the method comprising: reacting a p-phenylenediamine corresponding to formula IV:

wherein X is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; with a dicarbonyl corresponding to formula II:

wherein R¹ and R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen, and wherein R¹ and R³ may optionally be bridged by a polymethylene group; to thereby obtain a diimine; and reducing the diimine to thereby obtain a mixture comprising the antidegradant compound according to formula I:

wherein each X is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; wherein R¹ and R³ are each independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl groups and hydrogen; and wherein R¹ and R³ may optionally be bridged by a polymethylene group to form a cycloalkyl.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the p-phenylenediamine comprises 4-amino-p-phenylene diamine.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the dicarbonyl comprises one or more of glyoxal and diacetyl.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the dicarbonyl comprises diacetyl, and wherein the p-phenylenediamine and the dicarbonyl are reacted in the presence of a solvent and an acid catalyst.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the acid catalyst comprises one or more of formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, camphorsulfonic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the diimine is reduced by hydrogenation in the presence of: (a) a solvent, (b) a homogeneous or heterogeneous metal catalyst, and (c) one or more of hydrogen gas, formic acid, or a formic acid salt.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the solvent comprises methylisobutylketone and the mixture comprising the antidegradant compound further comprises N-1,3-dimethylbutyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the solvent comprises acetone and the mixture comprising the antidegradant compound further comprises N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the diimine is reduced by a reducing agent comprising di-isobutyl aluminum hydride and lithium aluminum hydride in the presence of one or more of diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, or tert-butylmethyl ether.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the diimine is reduced by a reducing agent comprising sodium borohydride, lithium borohydride, and sodium cyanoborohydride in the presence of one or more of methanol, ethanol, and isopropanol.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of reacting the p-phenylenediamine with the dicarbonyl and the step of reducing the diimine thereby obtained are carried out in sequence, with optional isolation of the intermediate diimine compound.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of reacting the p-phenylenediamine with the dicarbonyl and the step of reducing the diimine thereby obtained are carried out simultaneously in the same reaction mixture.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the antidegradant compound comprises N,N′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine).
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the diimine obtained comprises (N,N′,N,N′)—N,N′-(ethane-1,2-diylidene)bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine).
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the diimine obtained comprises (N,N′)—N,N′-(butane-2,3-diylidene)bis(N-phenylbenzene-1,4-diamine). 